Ex-Boyfriend Arrested Days After Missing Teen Marissa DiNapoli Is Found Slain in California

Authorities have arrested the ex-boyfriend of an 18-year-old woman who was found dead last week in California, days after she was reported missing.

Marissa DiNapoli was last in contact with her family via text message on the night of June 28, around 9:16 p.m., when she said she would be spending the night with a friend, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department.

When her family didn’t hear from her the following day, they reported her missing. A search led authorities to Lake Anderson, where a body was discovered on July 2. It was identified as DiNapoli’s the next day.

Police say DiNapoli was last seen the morning of June 29 at 9:45 a.m., leaving a residence with her ex-boyfriend, Martin Mendoza. He was initially identified as a person of interest in her disappearance. On Sunday, Mendoza was arrested and charged with murder while attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border and re-enter California.

“While Mendoza’s arrest may bring a measure of relief, it does not ease the heartbreak we all continue to feel,” Morgan Hill Police said in a statement. “Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise.”

DiNapoli’s family also released a statement thanking the public for their support during the difficult time.

“The loss of our beloved Marissa deeply saddens us, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey,” the statement read. “In honor of Marissa’s memory, we kindly ask that no GoFundMe accounts or donation pages be created. If you wish to show support, please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories.”

One of DiNapoli’s former teachers, Tara Guerrero of Opportunity Youth Academy, had been actively involved in the search for her student before the tragic discovery.

“Every student in my class touches my heart, but her especially,” Guerrero told NBC Bay Area. “She had the brightest smile that would light up every room… She’s just one of those kids that leaves a mark on your heart, and I have a broken heart right now.”

The investigation remains ongoing.